Patentable/Patents/US-11281597
US-11281597

High bandwidth universal serial bus (USB) camera

PublishedMarch 22, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a universal serial bus (USB) device and a USB host controller. The USB device and USB host controller may be configured to couple to one another via a USB link that may include a high-speed data line and a low-speed data line. The USB device may then transmit, via the high-speed data line, an indication of a digital image to the USB host controller. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Patent Claims
20 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A universal serial bus (USB) device comprising: a digital image capture device to capture a digital image; and a processor coupled with the image capture device, the processor to: identify, in a USB link by which the USB device is coupled with a USB host controller, a high-speed data line and a low-speed data line, wherein the high-speed data line is in a disabled state; perform a connection procedure with the USB host controller via the low-speed data line, which includes to receive configuration information to initialize and train the high-speed data line; perform initialization and training of the high-speed data line, to enable the high-speed data line for data transmission; and transmit, via the enabled and trained high-speed data line, an indication of the digital image to the USB host controller.

Plain English Translation

A USB device includes a digital image capture component to capture digital images and a processor connected to the capture component. The device operates in a USB environment where a high-speed data line and a low-speed data line are present, with the high-speed data line initially disabled. The processor identifies these data lines and establishes a connection with a USB host controller using the low-speed data line. During this connection procedure, the device receives configuration information necessary to initialize and train the high-speed data line. After initialization and training, the high-speed data line is enabled for data transmission. The device then transmits an indication of the captured digital image to the USB host controller via the enabled high-speed data line. This approach ensures efficient data transfer by leveraging high-speed capabilities while maintaining compatibility with standard USB protocols. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring fast image transmission, such as digital cameras or scanners connected to computing devices.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The USB device of claim 1 , wherein the high-speed data line has a throughput of greater than 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).

Plain English Translation

A USB device includes a high-speed data line capable of transmitting data at a throughput exceeding 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). The device is designed to address the need for faster data transfer rates in USB-based systems, particularly in applications requiring high-bandwidth communication, such as multimedia streaming, large file transfers, or real-time data processing. The high-speed data line is integrated into the USB device to ensure efficient and reliable data transmission, reducing latency and improving overall system performance. This enhancement allows the device to support demanding applications that require rapid data exchange, such as high-definition video transmission, cloud computing, or industrial automation. The USB device may also include additional features, such as power delivery capabilities, error correction mechanisms, or compatibility with multiple USB standards, to further optimize performance and usability. By achieving throughputs greater than 1 Gbps, the device provides a significant improvement over traditional USB connections, enabling faster and more efficient data handling in modern computing environments.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The USB device of claim 1 , wherein the low-speed data line has a maximum peak throughput of 480 megabits per second (Mbps).

Plain English Translation

A USB device includes a low-speed data line configured to transmit data at a maximum peak throughput of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). The device is designed to operate within the USB 2.0 standard, which supports high-speed data transfer rates while maintaining compatibility with lower-speed USB protocols. The low-speed data line is optimized for efficient data transmission, ensuring reliable communication between the USB device and a host system. The device may include additional components such as a controller, connectors, and power management circuitry to facilitate data transfer and power delivery. The design ensures backward compatibility with existing USB infrastructure while providing enhanced performance for high-speed data applications. The USB device is suitable for use in computing peripherals, consumer electronics, and other applications requiring fast and reliable data transfer.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The USB device of claim 1 , wherein the digital image comprises a plurality of digital images.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing digital images in a USB device addresses the challenge of efficiently storing and organizing multiple digital images within limited storage capacity. The USB device includes a storage module configured to store a plurality of digital images, where each image is associated with metadata such as timestamps, file formats, or resolution details. The device further includes a processing module that processes these images to optimize storage, such as by compressing or resizing them without significant quality loss. Additionally, the device may include a user interface or software interface to allow users to categorize, search, or retrieve specific images based on their metadata. The system ensures that multiple digital images are stored efficiently while maintaining accessibility and usability. The processing module may also apply image recognition techniques to automatically tag or organize images based on content, further enhancing user experience. The overall design aims to provide a compact, portable storage solution for managing large collections of digital images.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The USB device of claim 1 , wherein the USB link includes a voltage line, a ground line, the low-speed data line, and one or more high-speed data lines.

Plain English Translation

A USB device includes a USB link that facilitates data communication between the device and a host system. The USB link comprises a voltage line for power supply, a ground line for electrical grounding, a low-speed data line for transmitting data at lower speeds, and one or more high-speed data lines for transmitting data at higher speeds. The device may also include a controller configured to manage data transmission over these lines, ensuring compatibility with different data transfer modes. The voltage and ground lines provide power and reference potential, while the low-speed data line supports basic communication, and the high-speed data lines enable faster data transfer. This configuration allows the device to support multiple data transfer rates, enhancing versatility and performance in various applications. The device may further include additional components, such as a memory module or a processing unit, to handle data storage and processing tasks. The USB link's design ensures efficient and reliable data transmission while maintaining compatibility with standard USB protocols.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The USB device of claim 1 , wherein the indication of the digital image is a scrambled encoded digital image, and wherein the processor includes a high-speed data transport module that includes: encoder circuitry to encode the digital image to generate an encoded digital image; scrambler circuitry to scramble the encoded digital image to generate the scrambled encoded digital image; and transmit circuitry to transmit the scrambled encoded digital image via the high-speed data line.

Plain English Translation

A USB device is designed to enhance data security during high-speed transmission of digital images. The device addresses the problem of unauthorized access or interception of sensitive image data during transfer. The device includes a processor with specialized circuitry for encoding, scrambling, and transmitting digital images securely. The processor contains a high-speed data transport module that performs these functions. First, encoder circuitry processes the digital image to generate an encoded version. Next, scrambler circuitry further secures the encoded image by scrambling its data. Finally, transmit circuitry sends the scrambled encoded image through a high-speed data line. This multi-layered approach ensures that the image data remains protected from interception or tampering during transmission. The device is particularly useful in applications requiring secure transfer of sensitive visual information, such as medical imaging, financial documents, or confidential communications. The high-speed data transport module optimizes performance while maintaining robust security measures.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. A universal serial bus (USB) host controller comprising: a USB port to couple with a USB device via a USB link that includes a high-speed data line and a low-speed data line, wherein the high-speed data line is in a disabled state, wherein to couple includes to perform a connection procedure with the USB device via the low-speed data line, wherein the connection procedure includes to: provide configuration information to initialize and train the high-speed data line at the USB device; and perform initialization and training of the high-speed data line, to enable the high-speed data line for data transmission; and a processor coupled with the USB port, the processor to identify an indication of a digital image received from the USB device via the enabled and trained high-speed data line.

Plain English Translation

A USB host controller is designed to manage communication between a host system and a USB device, particularly focusing on high-speed data transmission. The controller includes a USB port that connects to a USB device through a USB link, which consists of both high-speed and low-speed data lines. Initially, the high-speed data line is disabled, and the connection procedure is performed using the low-speed data line. During this procedure, the controller provides configuration information to the USB device to initialize and train the high-speed data line, ensuring it is properly set up for high-speed data transmission. Once the high-speed data line is enabled and trained, it is used for data transmission. The controller also includes a processor that detects an indication of a digital image received from the USB device via the enabled high-speed data line. This system ensures efficient and reliable high-speed data transfer, particularly for applications involving digital image data. The controller automates the initialization and training process, reducing manual intervention and improving connectivity performance.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The USB host controller of claim 7 , wherein the high-speed data line has a throughput of greater than 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).

Plain English Translation

A USB host controller is designed to manage data transfer between a host system and peripheral devices via a high-speed data line. The invention addresses the need for faster data transmission in USB systems, particularly for applications requiring high bandwidth, such as multimedia streaming, large file transfers, or real-time data processing. The high-speed data line in this controller is capable of achieving a throughput exceeding 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), enabling efficient and rapid data exchange. This enhanced speed is achieved through optimized signal processing, improved electrical characteristics, and advanced protocol handling within the controller. The controller may also include features such as error correction, data buffering, and power management to ensure reliable and stable high-speed communication. By supporting such high data rates, the USB host controller facilitates seamless integration with modern high-performance devices, reducing latency and improving overall system efficiency. The invention is particularly useful in environments where large volumes of data must be transferred quickly, such as in data centers, multimedia workstations, or high-speed storage systems.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The USB host controller of claim 7 , wherein the low-speed data line has a maximum peak throughput of 480 megabits per second (Mbps).

Plain English Translation

A USB host controller is designed to manage data transfer between a host system and peripheral devices over a USB interface. The controller includes a low-speed data line specifically configured to handle data transmission at a maximum peak throughput of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). This data line is optimized for high-speed data transfer, ensuring efficient communication with connected devices. The controller may also include additional features such as error detection and correction mechanisms to maintain data integrity during transmission. The design ensures compatibility with various USB standards, allowing seamless integration with different types of peripheral devices. The high-speed data line is particularly useful for applications requiring rapid data exchange, such as multimedia streaming or large file transfers. The controller's architecture may also include power management features to optimize energy consumption while maintaining performance. Overall, the USB host controller provides a reliable and efficient solution for high-speed data communication in computing and electronic systems.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The USB host controller of claim 7 , wherein the digital image comprises a plurality of digital images.

Plain English Translation

A USB host controller is designed to manage data transfer between a host system and peripheral devices, particularly for handling digital image data. The controller includes a processing unit that receives and processes digital images from a connected device, such as a camera or scanner. The digital images may consist of a single image or a sequence of multiple images, such as frames from a video stream or a batch of photographs. The controller ensures efficient data transfer by organizing and transmitting the digital images in a structured format, optimizing bandwidth usage and reducing latency. It may also include error detection and correction mechanisms to maintain data integrity during transmission. The controller supports various USB protocols, ensuring compatibility with different devices and systems. This invention addresses the need for reliable and high-speed digital image transfer in computing and multimedia applications, improving performance in tasks such as real-time video processing, medical imaging, and digital photography.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The USB host controller of claim 7 , wherein the USB link includes a voltage line, a ground line, the low-speed data line, and one or more high-speed data lines.

Plain English Translation

A USB host controller is designed to manage communication between a host device and peripheral devices over a USB link. The USB link includes a voltage line for power, a ground line, a low-speed data line for basic data transfer, and one or more high-speed data lines for faster data transmission. This configuration allows the host controller to support both low-speed and high-speed data transfer modes, enabling compatibility with a wide range of USB devices. The controller dynamically adjusts communication protocols based on the connected device's capabilities, ensuring efficient data exchange while maintaining power efficiency. The inclusion of multiple high-speed data lines enhances bandwidth, supporting high-performance applications such as video streaming or large file transfers. The design also ensures robust error handling and data integrity, making it suitable for both consumer and industrial applications. This architecture improves flexibility and performance in USB-based systems, addressing the need for scalable and efficient data communication in modern computing environments.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The USB host controller of claim 7 , wherein the indication of the digital image is an encoded scrambled digital image, and wherein the processor includes a high-speed data transport module that includes: receive circuitry to receive, via the high-speed data line, the encoded scrambled digital image; descrambler circuitry to descramble the encoded scrambled digital image to generate an encoded digital image; and decoder circuitry to decode the encoded digital image to generate a digital image.

Plain English Translation

A USB host controller is designed to process digital images transmitted over a high-speed data line. The controller addresses the challenge of efficiently receiving and reconstructing encoded and scrambled digital images from a peripheral device, such as a camera or storage module, ensuring secure and rapid data transfer. The controller includes a high-speed data transport module with specialized circuitry to handle the image data. The receive circuitry captures the encoded scrambled digital image from the high-speed data line. The descrambler circuitry then processes the scrambled data to remove the scrambling, producing an encoded digital image. Finally, the decoder circuitry decodes the encoded digital image, converting it into a usable digital image. This process ensures that the digital image is accurately reconstructed from its transmitted form, maintaining data integrity and enabling real-time or near-real-time image processing. The controller's modular design allows for efficient handling of high-bandwidth image data, making it suitable for applications requiring fast and secure image transmission, such as digital cameras, medical imaging systems, or industrial inspection devices.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The USB host controller of claim 12 , further comprising a display coupled with the processor or a storage media coupled with the processor, the display to display the digital image and the storage media to store the digital image.

Plain English Translation

A USB host controller is designed to interface with a digital camera to capture and process digital images. The controller includes a processor that receives a digital image from the camera and performs image processing tasks such as color correction, noise reduction, and compression. The processed image is then output for further use. The controller may also include a display connected to the processor to visually present the digital image, allowing users to view the captured content directly. Additionally, the controller may include storage media coupled with the processor to store the digital image, ensuring that the processed data is retained for later retrieval or transfer. This system enhances the functionality of digital cameras by integrating image processing, display, and storage capabilities within a single USB host controller, streamlining the workflow for users who need to capture, process, and store digital images efficiently.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. A method comprising: detecting, by a universal serial bus (USB) host controller, that a USB device has been coupled with the USB host controller by a USB link, wherein the USB link includes a high-speed data line and a low-speed data line, wherein the high-speed data line is in a disabled state; performing, by the USB host controller, an initial connection procedure via the low-speed data line of the USB link, which includes providing configuration information to initialize and train the high-speed data line; initializing and training, by the USB host controller, the high-speed data line of the USB link, to enable the high-speed data line for data transmission; identifying, by the USB host controller, an indication of a digital image received by the USB host controller from the USB device via the enabled and trained high-speed data line; and processing, by the USB host controller, the indication of the digital image to generate a digital image for display to a user of the USB host controller.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently initializing and utilizing high-speed data transmission between a USB host controller and a connected USB device. The method involves detecting when a USB device is coupled to a USB host controller via a USB link, which includes both a high-speed data line and a low-speed data line. Initially, the high-speed data line is in a disabled state, so the USB host controller performs an initial connection procedure using the low-speed data line. This procedure includes providing configuration information to initialize and train the high-speed data line, enabling it for data transmission. Once the high-speed data line is active, the USB host controller identifies an indication of a digital image received from the USB device and processes this indication to generate a digital image for display to the user. The method ensures efficient data transfer by leveraging the low-speed data line for initial setup and then transitioning to high-speed data transmission for digital image data. This approach optimizes connection establishment and data handling in USB-based systems.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the high-speed data line has a throughput of greater than 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to high-speed data transmission systems, specifically addressing the need for efficient and reliable data transfer at rates exceeding 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). The method involves a high-speed data line designed to achieve throughput greater than 1 Gbps, ensuring fast and stable data communication. The system likely incorporates advanced signal processing, error correction, or bandwidth optimization techniques to maintain performance at such high speeds. The data line may be part of a larger communication network, such as a wired or fiber-optic infrastructure, where minimizing latency and maximizing throughput are critical. The invention aims to support demanding applications like real-time data processing, high-definition video streaming, or large-scale data transfers, where traditional data lines may fall short. By achieving throughput beyond 1 Gbps, the system enables faster data exchange, reduced transmission delays, and improved overall efficiency in data-intensive environments. The method may also include adaptive modulation, dynamic bandwidth allocation, or other enhancements to sustain high-speed performance under varying conditions. This solution is particularly valuable in industries requiring ultra-fast data transmission, such as telecommunications, cloud computing, and high-performance computing.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the low-speed data line has a maximum peak throughput of 480 megabits per second (Mbps).

Plain English Translation

A method for optimizing data transmission in a communication system involves using a low-speed data line with a maximum peak throughput of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). This method is particularly useful in systems where high-speed data transfer is not required, but reliable and efficient communication is essential. The low-speed data line is designed to handle data transmission at a controlled rate, ensuring stability and minimizing errors. This approach is beneficial in applications such as industrial control systems, sensor networks, or other environments where data integrity and consistent performance are prioritized over raw speed. By limiting the peak throughput to 480 Mbps, the system can avoid congestion, reduce latency, and maintain consistent performance under varying load conditions. The method may also include additional features such as error correction, data compression, or protocol optimization to further enhance efficiency and reliability. The low-speed data line can be integrated into existing communication networks or used as a standalone solution, depending on the specific requirements of the application. This method ensures that data is transmitted accurately and efficiently, even in challenging environments.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the digital image comprises a plurality of digital images.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for processing digital images to enhance visual quality and reduce computational complexity. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently analyzing and improving multiple digital images, particularly in applications requiring real-time processing or resource-constrained environments. The method involves capturing or receiving a plurality of digital images, each containing visual data that may require enhancement, correction, or analysis. The system processes these images to extract relevant features, such as edges, textures, or color information, and applies computational techniques to optimize image quality. Techniques may include noise reduction, contrast adjustment, or resolution enhancement, depending on the specific application. The method ensures that the processing steps are performed efficiently, minimizing computational overhead while maintaining high-quality output. The invention is particularly useful in fields such as medical imaging, surveillance, or augmented reality, where multiple images must be processed quickly and accurately. The system may also integrate machine learning models to adapt processing parameters dynamically based on image content or environmental conditions. By handling multiple images simultaneously, the method improves throughput and reduces latency compared to sequential processing approaches. The invention further includes validation steps to ensure processed images meet predefined quality standards before output.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the USB link includes a voltage line, a ground line, the low-speed data line, and one or more high-speed data lines.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing data transmission in a USB (Universal Serial Bus) system addresses the challenge of efficiently handling both low-speed and high-speed data transfers over a shared interface. The method involves configuring a USB link to include a voltage line, a ground line, a low-speed data line, and one or more high-speed data lines. The low-speed data line is used for slower, more stable communication, while the high-speed data lines enable faster data transfer rates. The method ensures compatibility with different data transfer modes by dynamically allocating bandwidth between low-speed and high-speed channels based on the type of data being transmitted. This approach optimizes performance by reducing latency for high-speed data while maintaining reliability for low-speed signals. The system may also include error detection and correction mechanisms to ensure data integrity across both low-speed and high-speed channels. The method is particularly useful in applications requiring simultaneous low-speed control signals and high-speed data transfers, such as in peripheral devices, embedded systems, and industrial automation.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The method of claim 14 , wherein the indication of the digital image is an encoded scrambled digital image, and wherein the processing the indication of the digital image includes: descrambling, by the USB host controller, the encoded scrambled digital image to generate an encoded digital image; and decoding, by the USB host controller, the encoded digital image to generate the digital image.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image processing in USB host controller systems, specifically addressing the secure transmission and reconstruction of digital images. The technology solves the problem of securely transmitting digital images over USB interfaces while ensuring efficient processing by the host controller. The method involves receiving an encoded and scrambled digital image from a USB device, where the image is initially scrambled to prevent unauthorized access during transmission. The USB host controller first descrambles the encoded scrambled digital image to recover an encoded digital image. Following this, the host controller decodes the encoded digital image to produce the final digital image in its original, usable form. This two-step process ensures that the image remains protected during transmission and is only reconstructed when processed by the authorized host controller. The method enhances security by preventing unauthorized interception and reconstruction of the digital image data during transmission. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring secure image transfer, such as medical imaging, financial document processing, or other sensitive data transmission scenarios. The system ensures that only the intended recipient can properly reconstruct and use the transmitted digital image.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The method of claim 14 , wherein the initializing, by the USB host controller, a high-speed data line of the USB link includes performing, by the USB host controller via the low-speed data line, simplex link training on the high-speed data line based on a closed-loop mechanism.

Plain English Translation

A method for initializing a high-speed data line in a USB link involves using a USB host controller to perform simplex link training on the high-speed data line through a low-speed data line. The training process is based on a closed-loop mechanism, which ensures proper synchronization and data transmission between the host and a connected device. This method is part of a broader system where the USB host controller establishes communication with a USB device by first initializing a low-speed data line, followed by the high-speed data line. The closed-loop mechanism allows for adaptive adjustments during training, improving signal integrity and reducing errors. This approach is particularly useful in USB protocols that require reliable high-speed data transmission while maintaining backward compatibility with lower-speed communication channels. The method ensures efficient and stable data transfer by dynamically optimizing the high-speed link based on feedback from the low-speed channel.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

October 24, 2017

Publication Date

March 22, 2022

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High bandwidth universal serial bus (USB) camera